Special Education

Dexter Community Schools staff members work as educational teams in each building to ensure that all students have the assistance and accommodations needed to support learning in order to progress in the general education curriculum.

We serve the majority of our students with disabilities in the general education classroom and strive to provide our students with the most inclusive, least restrictive environment.

DCS provides services to students with disabilities in a continuum of educational environments, from regular class placements with special education services and programs to full-day programs in county-based programs. Students receive evaluations in all suspected areas of disabilities. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) determines the type and degree of required services for each student.

DCS participates in mandated Child Find programs and provides services to private programs within our district. The programs are conducted in accordance with the Federal and Michigan Special Education rules and regulations.

The DCS Department of Special Education services 432 students with disabilities in six schools. We have 53 staff, including resource room teachers, teacher consultants, social workers, speech therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. They work in collaboration with general education teachers to coordinate curriculum objectives, introduce and monitor accommodations and modifications, and to identify alternative teaching strategies that meet the educational recommendations of each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

District Process for Determination of a Specific Learning Disability

In consideration of federal guidelines and state requirements, specific learning disability eligibility is evaluated using a pattern of strengths and weaknesses. The pattern of strengths and weaknesses method is based on both assessment and review of achievement scores and performance in a variety of academic areas, with documentation of a pattern of strengths in one or more areas as compared to other areas where the student demonstrates a pattern of significant academic weaknesses.

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